Jessie Harriet Bissell and Martin Emor Ballou

MARTIN EMOR BALLOU, son of SUSAN CAROLINE VAN BUREN and EMOR SMITH BALLOU, was born September 16, 1854 in Kingsville, Ashtabula, Ohio,²¹ and died January 21, 1925 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska.⁷⁸⁸³ He is buried in Ashland Cemetery, Saunders County, Nebraska.⁴⁵⁶

He married JESSIE HARRIET BISSELL on February 18, 1875 in Ithica, Saunders, Nebraska.^{21, 30} She was born March 31, 1858 in Valparaiso, Porter, Indiana,²¹ and died October 22, 1944 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska. She is buried in Ashland Cemetery, Saunders County, Nebraska.²⁷⁹³

• Descendant Reports
  • Eleazer Arnold Jr. Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Eleazer Albee Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • John Smith Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Captain John Whipple Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Valentine Whitman Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • John Sayles Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Roger Williams Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Reverend Joshua Winsor Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Elisha Smith Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Pardon Davis Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Maturin Ballou Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Robert Pike Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)
  • Barent Van Buren Descendant Report (Ancestor of Martin E. Ballou)

Children of JESSIE HARRIET BISSELL and MARTIN EMOR BALLOU:

1. EMOR SMITH BALLOU, b. March 16, 1876, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. KATHERINE LILLIE V. FLETCHER on January 23, 1901 in Clear Creek Precinct, Saunders, Nebraska⁷⁷⁷²; d. November 23, 1948, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska.¹⁵¹⁴
2. JAMES BISSEL BALLOU, b. February 15, 1878, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. DAISY B. TARPENING on December 3, 1902 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska⁷⁷⁷⁵; d. January 4, 1955, near Albion, Boone County, Nebraska.²⁷⁹³
3. JESSIE CAROLINE BALLOU, b. December 12, 1879, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. CHARLES OSCAR SWANSON on April 12, 1905 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska²¹; d. November 25, 1939, Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska.^{456, 2793}
4. ELIZABETH ANNA BALLOU, b. April 15, 1882, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. JONATHON EDWARD FENTON on September 4, 1907 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska⁷⁷⁷⁶; d. February 13, 1975, Los Angeles County, California.²⁵⁰
5. OTIS MARTIN BALLOU, b. March 26, 1885, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. LULU B. LAUGHLIN on February 5, 1913 in Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska^{9088, 2284}; d. December 11, 1958, Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska.²⁷⁹³
6. SUSAN MARJORY BALLOU, b. May 7, 1890, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska;²¹ m. (1) ALLEN WALDO CUMMER on June 2, 1915 in Saunders County, Nebraska⁷⁷⁷⁸, m. (2) EDWARD DOUGLAS NICKERSON on October 27, 1956 in Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada⁷⁸⁸⁶; d. June 18, 1967, Loma Linda, San Bernardino, California.⁷⁸⁸⁷

Personal Information

• Jessie Harriet Bissell was a member of the First Congregational Church, Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska (November 18, 1891). ²⁷⁹³

Work History

Marriage Announcements and News

Ashland Gazette, February 23, 1900¹²⁶¹⁶

SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ballou Pass the 25th Milestone of Married Life

A goodly number of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ballou, united to spring a surprise on them last Saturday, to congratulate them on the attainment of their 25th anniversary of their wedding.

About 11 a. m. buggies from the town and country began to arrive, and by the noon hour, between twenty and thirty friends had gathered to do honor to the occasion. Needless to say the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Ballou was equal to the sudden strain put upon it and we suspect that some of the members of the family had been permitted to share the secret, and we are convinced that Mrs. Frank Anderson acted as the fairy god mother and all were entertained to a real wedding feast of the best kind.

Affer dinner, games of various descriptions, social talk, songs and piano solos, helped to make the hours happy. Then, in the name of the visitors, the Rev. T. W. Conway-Cheeseman, sprang an even greater surprise upon the worthy couple, presenting them with a handsome silver pitcher,cup and stand. After briefly expressing the congratulations and good wishes of all present, Mr. Cheeseman said it was hard for him to realize that Mr. and Mrs. Ballou had been united for 25 years. Only the substantial evidences of a long and happy marriage, the stalwart young men and ladies who formed their family, could induce him to forgo the expectation of a wedding fee for performing the marriage ceremony for them. The "Bride and Bridegroom" responded in a few hearty words, and after a further pleasant social interlude, the friends returned to their homes feeling that the occasion was one they would long be remember as a very pleasant and happy one.

Newspaper Articles

Ashland Gazette, April 27, 1894⁷⁸⁷⁷

A very pleasant and largely attended social was held at the elegant home of Martin Ballou north of town by the members of the Congregational church and their friends Tuesday evening. About 150 persons attended. Those of the company who did not go with their own conveyance gathered at the church and took passage by a carryall composed of a hay rigging. It was one of the largest attended socials of the season.

McCook Tribune, August 30, 1895²⁴³⁴

On the farm of Mart Ballou, half a mile north of Ashland, fifty acres of wheat that was almost abandoned was threshed and yielded 1,000 bushels of the best quality.

Saunders County Journal, August 7, 1902¹²⁶¹⁹

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

During the storm Monday evening the lightning caused some damage in Ashland and vicinity, striking in several places. At the Ballou home, north of town, the lightning struck the house, setting fire to the roof, going through the wall into the ground, setting fire to a window frame in its downward course. All the occupants of the house, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Ballou, were knocked senseless. Though badly dazed Mr. and Mrs. Ballou managed to get around and extinguish the blaze at the window frame and to help revive the others. The fire on the roof was extinguished by the heavy rain prevailing at the time.

Ashland Gazette, August 8, 1902¹²⁶¹⁸

Lightning's Pranks

During the electric storm Monday night, lightning struck in two places in and new town. M. Ballou's house just north of town, received a severe stroke, and was set on fire in three places. The blaze was lighted in each case on the outside of the building, on the side against which the rain was beating in torrents, and to this fact is due the escape from disastrous fire. Two chimneys on the south side were torn to pieces, and the fire burned out a window screen, setting the frame on fire. A blaze was also started on the cornish. Also the fluid ran down the north-west corner of the house, tearing off and slivering about eight feet of the base board. A carpet in the sitting room was ruined. The room was filled with a stifling odor—of sufficient intensity to cause suffocation had not the doors been thrown open and a circulation gained from outside. The members of the family were badly stunned, but there will be no serious results. In one of the demolished chimneys there were about seventy bats sheltered and they were thrown about the room with the soot and ashes.

August 29, 1902⁷⁸⁸²

Martin Ballou, one of our most prosperous and observing farmers, says that he has raised thirty-two crops of corn in Nebraska, and that he never saw so good a general prospect as at present, at this time of year. It is true that many acres on the lowlands have been destroyed or greatly damaged by the floods, but the immense crops in general will more than make up for all these losses, in the net yield.

Ashland Gazette, June 12, 1903¹²⁶²⁰

WATER SYSTEM FOR FARMERS

Martin Ballou Installs Air Pressure System the Motive Power of Which is furnished by a Windmill in his Home North of Town

In the evolution of prosperity with which the country has been blessed in recent years, the enterprising, progressive farmers are coming into the enjoyment of all the modern conveniences which render attractiveness to the city home. Mr. Martin Ballou, who, by the way, is one of our most enterprising and prosperous farmers, has recently illustrated this fact by the installation in his beautiful home of an air pressure water system, manufactured by the Woodmanse Manufacturing company, of Freeport, Ill. The plant consists of an ordinary steel windmill and tower, to which is attached a double pump for the purpose of forcing both air and water into a 525 gallon steel cylinder tank, which is located in the cellar. The pump regulates the action of the windmill automatically, so that it is turned in or out of motion according to the amount of pressure in the tank, and the water supply is thus kept up as it is needed. this system has all of the desirable features of a city water system with many advantages over the latter. For instance, with this system the water pressure can be regulated at will from 40 to 80 pounds to the square inch. Besides this, the constant presence of air in the tank keeps the water sweet and pure.

Mr. Ballou has hot and cold water in several rooms and among the new improvements is an elegant bath room. Mr. Atwood our popular plumber, did the plumbing work, while the erection of the plant was under the supervision of Mr. F. J. Starr, a special agent of the Woodmanse company. For convenience and for all that goes to make a perfect water supply, Mr. Ballou's home is as well equipped as any of the most elegant homes in the large cities. In addition to this he has no water rent to pay.

Ashland Gazette, October 25, 1923¹²⁶²⁴

THE BALLOU FAMILY RETURN FROM WESTERN TRIP

Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Ballou, Mrs. Susie Cummer and little daughter, Harriett, and Earl Ballou returned Tuesday from a several months' auto trip to California. They also traveled extensively in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and enjoyed the wonderful scenery of this northern country. They spent several weeks with Mr. and Mrs. James Fenton at Pomona, Calif., and report that they are very much in love with their home and friends there.

On the return trip they took the Santa Fe route and were two weeks on their journey from Pomona. They were very comfortably equipped for camping and on their way out this added greatly to the enjoyment of their trip. They had no mishaps and on their arrival here two of their tires were still filled with Ashland air, after a 10,000 mile journey. As they drove into the Otis Ballou yard, east of town, however, they had a puncture caused by picking up a nail. They are all very enthusiastic over their journey, but are glad to be home again.

Ashland Gazette, June 28, 1928¹²⁶²⁹

MRS. M. E. BALLOU TELLS OF TRIP

Mrs. M. E. Ballou and Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Fenton returned to Ashland Monday afternoon after a month's ocean trip along the coast of Central America up to New York and thence by motor through the eastern states. Mrs. Ballou left Ashland for Pomona on April 20, where she visited with the Fentons, and made various small trips until May 7, when they sailed from Los Angeles. Their first stop was at Mazatlan, Mex., where they anchored several miles out, as there is no natural harbor at this point. Mr. Ballou told the writer that the passengers went ashore in small boats which came out from the mainland. She said that it was astounding that Mexico could be so close to our thoroughly modern adjoining country, and yet be so backward in civilization. Here short stops at different points in Mexico were full of many surprises. Mrs. Ballou tells us that she was not favorably impressed with any of the Mexican scenery, but that she was delighted as she proceeded on past Central America, through the Panama Canal, and into the Harbor at Havana Cuba, which she said was a beautiful city. One very interesting incident took place when Mrs. Ballou returned to the liner from Mazatlan. In the little boat in which she rode were forty-four bars, not very large, of silver, each one valued at $1,000. It was astounding to think that the small cargo which went back to the ship along with the passengers was worth $44,000. The cargo which went from the Unites States to Mexico was mostly corn meal, there having been a shortage of corn in Mexico due to poor crops. The cornmeal is used in baking the flat, round cakes of bread, which form one of the main foods of the Mexican people.

After leaving Havana, the ship went on up the easter coast of the United States, and landed at New York. Mrs. Ballou's party spent a short time in that city, and went from there by boat up the Hudson river to Albany, also stopping at Syracuse. They had taken their auto on the boat, and proceeded from this point by motor to make a tour of the eastern states. Mrs. Ballou said that they had the opportunity of seeing modern things every day, and so they devoted their time entirely to visiting the historic places and seeing the things which are famous in the history of our country. She said that they were fascinated with the old Washington home, and with the old fashioned buildings which formed part of the estate.

While in the east, they motored through the two Virginias, New Jersey, Kentucky, and Ohio, stopping at various points of interest in those states. They went through the Woolen mill at Rensselaer, and through glass and dish factories at other cities, seeing the entire processes to which these products are submitted in their manufacture.

Mrs. Ballou said that the most beautiful part of the whole trip was the motor trip down the Susquehanna Trail to Washington. As a whole, she says that the trip was one which was well worth while, and it was more enjoyable because they were fortunate to have no sickness or accidents all the time they were gone.

Mr. and Mrs. Fenton will remain at the Ballou home to make a visit of a few weeks before returning to their home in California.

Lincoln Star, August 26, 1934²⁴⁴¹

Mrs. Jessie Ballou, Mrs. Susie Cummer and Harriet, and E. S. Ballou left Friday by motor for a few weeks in Idaho.

Obituaries

Ashland Gazette, January 22, 1925¹²⁶²⁸

MARTIN E. BALLOU HAS PASSED AWAY

Not unexpectedly occurred the death of Mr. Martin E. Ballou in this city between 7 and 8 o'clock Wednesday evening. He had been in poor health for about three months and bedfast the greater part of two months, during the last eight days of which he was able to take little nourishment. He was an early resident of this county and until moving to the city, a prominent farmer just on the outskirts of Ashland.

The funeral will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 2 o'clock from the home, and the obituary will appear next week.

Ashland Gazette, January 29, 1925⁷⁸⁸³

CALLED TO HIS FINAL REWARD

M. E. Ballou, Pioneer, Died Wednesday, January 21st—Funeral Was Held From the Home Friday Afternoon

Martin Emor Ballou was born on September 16, 1845, at Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio. Died at his home in Ashland, Nebraska, January 21, 1925, aged 70 years, 4 months and 5 days, after an illness extending over several months.

He moved from Ohio to a farm near Ashland with his parents in the year 1868, where he resided for 52 years, moving from the farm to Ashland, where he had purchased a residence property.

He was married to Miss Jessie H. Bissell, at Ithaca, Nebraska, in the year 1875. (If he had been spared they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks). To this union were born six children.

Mr. Ballou was a man of exceptional qualities. Always a home lover, believing it was a father's, as well as a mother's duty, to set an example before his children, he taught them the values of the better things in life. He was always very progressive not only in the running of his farm, but was in favor of, and encouraged every movement for the betterment of the whole community. He never begrudged his time, advice nor his money to promote a worthy cause.

As a neighbor he was unexcelled, kind, sympathetic and courteous on every occasion, ready to lend a listening ear to the troubles of others or a helping hand in assistance. He provided well for his family, making possible many worth while and essential things that are so often denied others.

He and his splendid wife and companion of half a century, faced life together, and during that time they encountered discouragements and obstacles innumerable, but with that grit and determination which was found in the early settlers of this country they met these obstacles only to overcome them and become better and stronger because of the struggle. A few short months ago Mr. Ballou met another obstacle which he tried manfully to overcome, the struggle for life itself—this fight was begun with as much determination as his many others were, but from the beginning it was plain to be seen that he must yield, the end coming Wednesday evening at 7:00, and in answer to a question which was asked five minutes before the end came, he replied: "Yes, I am tired. I wish I could go." And now he is at rest.

He leaves to mourn his loss six children: Emor A., James B., both of Ashland; Jessie (Mrs. Swanson) of Greenwood; Elizabeth (Mrs. Fenton), Pomona, Calif.; Otis M., and Susie (Mrs. Cummer), Ashland. One sister, Mrs. E. Stanley, Cleveland, O., six grandchildren, and innumerable friends.

The community is poorer today because of him who is no more. But is this the end? God forbid, for one has said: "I am the resurrection and the life, though a man be dead yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth on Me shall never die."

Rev. D. M. Beggs had charge of the service at the home on Friday afternoon at 2 p. m. Interment was made in the Ashland cemetery.

Ashland Gazette, October 25, 1944²⁷⁹³

Death Claims Mrs. M. E. Ballou, Beloved Pioneer.

Passing of Longtime Resident Profoundly Mourned.

Death came at 5 A. M. Sunday to claim Mrs. M. E. Ballou, bringing to an end a long and useful life. Mrs. Ballou who was 86 years old had made her home in Ashland since she came here as a bride 69 years ago. Her life was characterized by service to others, in the church and community, as well as in her own home. She was held in affectionate esteem by a wide circle of friends, who with her family, profoundly mourn her passing.

The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon with Rev. S. P. Hieb of the Congregational church in charge. Pallbearers were B. F. Ralder, E. M. Kuhl, F. W. Bontz, John Potter, Forrest Raikes, and C. D. Lutton. Burial was in the Ashland Cemetery.

Jessie Harriet Bissell was born Mar. 31, 1858 at Crown Point, Indiana, daughter of James and Sarah Rumsey Bissell. Her sister and one brother have all preceded her in death. In 1859 the family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana where the father practiced law until 1863. He was an ardent admirer of Lincoln, and feeling his duty to fight for the Union cause, he was commissioned captain and organized and trained a company. He was killed at Franklin, Tennessee on Dec. 3, 1863. His widow came to Nebraska in 1867 and took a claim near Ithaca, Nebraska. In 1869 she brought her five children to Nebraska and endured all the hardships of the pioneers.

From her mother, Mrs. Ballou inherited the love of the land, and learned the lessons of thrift, effort, and energy so that when she became the bride of Martin Emor Ballou on Feb. 18, 1875 she carried the same fine ideals and principals of life into her own home. Mr. Ballou had come to Nebraska with his parents in 1868 and had followed agricultural pursuits. He and his bride made their home 1/2 mile north of Ashland, living there until March, 1920 when they moved to the present home in Ashland.

Mr. and Mrs. Ballou were parents of six children, and their lives and the place that they and their descendants hold in this community are a living tribute to the very wonderful woman, who throughout the years was recognized as the head of the family. The three sons have inherited the love of the land, and their sons as well. For Four generations they have tilled the soil. Mrs. Ballou saw heartbreak and failure, as well as the rich rewards of harvest. She saw the great grasshopper scourge destroy every spear of green on the land, and many times bravely faced defeat when drouth, hail, or wind destroyed the crops. Her indomitable spirit helped carry the family over the difficult times with faith and courage, and they came to rely affectionately upon her advice and judgment.

Many books have been written about pioneer families and their descendants, but there is no story lovelier than the life of Mrs. Ballou and the influences she had upon the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Their respect, affection, and deference to the head of the family was a joy to behold and share.

On Nov. 18, 1891 she became a member of the Congregational church. She was a very active member and her judgment was respected in matters concerning the welfare and progress of the church. Loyal in attendance, she was in her pew until poor health would no longer permit.

She was preceded in death by her husband, M. E. Ballou, and one daughter, Jessie Swanson of Greenwood. She is survived by her sons, Emor Smith Ballou, James Bissell Ballou, and Otis Martin Ballou, all of Ashland; and daughters Elizabeth Fenton, Pomona, California and Sue Cummer, Ashland; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Coming from out of town were Sgt. and Mrs. Ed Ballou, Junction City, Kansas and Mrs. Louis Hill of Omaha.

Census Records

Date	Location	Enumerated Names
June 8, 18602435	Kingsville, Ashtabula, Ohio	Emor Smith Ballou Susan Caroline Van Buren Elizabeth Anne Ballou Susan Hester Ballou Martin Emor Ballou Henrietta Ballou Pardon Davis Ballou Elizabeth Ann Rogers Wells
September 3, 18701513	Saunders County, Nebraska	Emor Smith Ballou Susan Caroline Van Buren Martin Emor Ballou Henrietta Ballou Jonathon S. Green Elizabeth Ann Rogers Wells
June 8, 1900303	Clear Creek, Saunders, Nebraska	Martin Emor Ballou Jessie Harriet Bissell Emor Smith Ballou James Bissel Ballou Jessie Caroline Ballou Elizabeth Anna Ballou Otis Martin Ballou Susan Marjory Ballou
April 25, 1910302	Clear Creek, Saunders, Nebraska	Martin Emor Ballou Jessie Harriet Bissell Otis Martin Ballou Susan Marjory Ballou
January 28, 1920299	Clear Creek, Saunders, Nebraska	Martin Emor Ballou Jessie Harriet Bissell Susan Marjory Ballou Harriet Allene Cummer
April 14, 1930300	Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska	Jessie Harriet Bissell Susan Marjory Ballou Harriet Allene Cummer
April 8, 19402491	Ashland, Saunders, Nebraska	Jessie Harriet Bissell Susan Marjory Ballou Harriet Allene Cummer